An exploratory study of the experiences of deceased‐donor liver transplant recipients and their need for psychotherapeutic support

Abstract

Aims and objectives:This study aimed to explore the experiences of liver transplant recipients during their journey through the treatment and their need for psychotherapeutic support related to this process.Background: Over time, measures of survival and quality of life in liver transplant recipients have continued to improve but their emotional needs remain under explored. In the longer-term recovery from transplantation, the focus shifts from physical health to psychological health. In the UK, there are no known embedded adult psychological services in liver transplant centres to react to this need.Design: A qualitative descriptive design was used.Methods: Grounded theory analysis was used to study the narratives of six adult liver transplant recipients. Through a process of coding, conceptual categories were established to describe the participant experiences. The study adhered to the EQUATOR checklist, SRQR.Results: Four categories emerged that were related to the experience of liver transplantation for the recipients. These were a process of adjustment, the phenomenon of waiting, liver transplant as a transformative experience and on the value of support. The participants identified a lack of psychotherapeutic support provided by the liver transplant service and felt that an embedded psychotherapeutic service would promote accessing such support during challenging times. Conclusion:Through the process of liver transplantation, recipients experience challenges with adjustment, waiting, feeling transformed and they value support with these feelings. In correlation with other studies, the findings of this study highlight the need for providing psychotherapeutic support within liver transplant services.

The role of preoperative psychosocial counselling on the improvement of the recipient compliance and speed of recovery after liver transplantation – A systematic review of the literature and expert panel recommendations

“…Poor social support may require social worker input alongside psychological interventions to improve relational ability. Finally, it should be noted that qualitative research and patient experience surveys indicate patients make a positive connection between adequate psychological support and recovery from transplant 33,34 . Therefore, the impact of patient experience should not be underestimated.…”

“…4 The authors also note that depression that quate psychological support and recovery from transplant. 33,34 Therefore, the impact of patient experience should not be underestimated.…”

The Main Thing is to be Alive—Exploring Patients’ Experiences With Weight Gain After Liver Transplantation: A Qualitative Study

“…Life pre-LTx was dominated by distressing complications associated with a decreased quality of life and frequent hospitalizations, turning it into an unpredictable roller-coaster ( 24 - 26 ). Post-Tx, patients experienced increased physical functioning, emotional health and quality of life, contributing to the perception that the LTx was a salvation, miracle or gift ( 27 - 29 ). Those strong analogies emphasize the meaning of LTx for those affected.…”

The main thing is to be alive-exploring patients’ experiences with weight gain after liver transplantation: a qualitative study

“…Life pre-LTx was dominated by distressing complications associated with a decreased quality of life and frequent hospitalizations, turning it into an unpredictable roller-coaster (24)(25)(26). Post-Tx, patients experienced increased physical functioning, emotional health and quality of life, contributing to the perception that the LTx was a salvation, miracle or gift (27)(28)(29). Those strong analogies emphasize the meaning of LTx for those affected.…”